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The BEST THING was getting to be so close to the glacier and getting to touch it. Part of why this was the best was you could feel how solid the glacier ice is. It's so hard that when I tried to throw a piece against a rock, it just bounced off!
At the end of the glacier there was a big area full of gravelly stuff (till) that had been left there when the glacier retreated. It had streams running through it from glacial melt. To get to the foot of the glacier, there wasn't a trail for the last quarter mile. We had to walk across the gravel and ford the streams--yes, our feet got wet!
Showing posts with label alaska. Show all posts
Showing posts with label alaska. Show all posts
Saturday, June 6, 2009
Kenai Fjords Glacier Cruise -- Seward, Alaska
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:-) (Definitely!!)
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:-) (Definitely!!)
If you're ever in Seward, Alaska, you should take one of the Glacier Cruises. When you're on the boat, ride for at least a little bit of the time at the front (bow) if you are allowed. I liked riding up front because it felt like you could see around better. You could also feel that the boat was moving--you didn't have to look around to see it. Some of the negatives of being up front are that the wind blows so hard it makes your hair go crazy and that when the boat hits waves you get drenched in spray!
While we were on the boat, we got to see some whales, both orcas and a humpback whale. The humpback whale was coming up, blowing a spurt of water in the air, then taking a breath and going back down. We saw the spray and then the tail as it dove. We saw the fins on the back of the orcas, and we also got to see them jump out of the water a couple of times!
While we were on the boat, we got to see some whales, both orcas and a humpback whale. The humpback whale was coming up, blowing a spurt of water in the air, then taking a breath and going back down. We saw the spray and then the tail as it dove. We saw the fins on the back of the orcas, and we also got to see them jump out of the water a couple of times!
Sunday, May 24, 2009
Geocaching -- near Tok, Alaska
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BEST THING: Actually getting to GO Geocaching cuz we haven't gotten to do it in ages! We did two caches:
The first one was near the Four Mile Lake. We had to walk on dirt and then on "muskeg" under the trees. (It's fun to walk on muskeg but kinda hard. When you step the muskeg squishes and your foot sinks in!) I got the prize from this one--a set of fancy barrettes. We left Elmo & Cookie Monster hair scrunchies!
The second one was over a BIG hill and then past that. I didn't find it--Jakob and Dad did. Jakob got a postcard for a prize and left some fancy button decorations.
The MOST SCARY thing was they went over a hill with tons and tons of snow. I sat near a bush and waited for them. At first Mom stayed by the road cuz she didn't think she could climb the steep part. But then when I was alone, Mom called and didn't get an answer from any of us. So then she came up to find me. Then I felt better!
FAMILIES should definitely try to geocache near Tok Alaska. The first one is good for everyone, but only do the second one if you have very big kids.
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BEST THING: Actually getting to GO Geocaching cuz we haven't gotten to do it in ages! We did two caches:
The first one was near the Four Mile Lake. We had to walk on dirt and then on "muskeg" under the trees. (It's fun to walk on muskeg but kinda hard. When you step the muskeg squishes and your foot sinks in!) I got the prize from this one--a set of fancy barrettes. We left Elmo & Cookie Monster hair scrunchies!
The second one was over a BIG hill and then past that. I didn't find it--Jakob and Dad did. Jakob got a postcard for a prize and left some fancy button decorations.The MOST SCARY thing was they went over a hill with tons and tons of snow. I sat near a bush and waited for them. At first Mom stayed by the road cuz she didn't think she could climb the steep part. But then when I was alone, Mom called and didn't get an answer from any of us. So then she came up to find me. Then I felt better!
FAMILIES should definitely try to geocache near Tok Alaska. The first one is good for everyone, but only do the second one if you have very big kids.Tuesday, May 19, 2009
Reid Cemetary & Reid Falls -- Skagway, Alaska
:-( -- Cemetary
Don't bother to stop and look at the cemetary if you have kids! Cuz it's really BORING!
:-) -- Waterfall
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Don't bother to stop and look at the cemetary if you have kids! Cuz it's really BORING!
:-) -- Waterfall
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Go to the waterfalls back behind the cemetary. We guess it falls about 600 feet---but not all at once. It falls from ledge to ledge to ledge all the way down.
We found a good place for a fairy house, but I didn't get to go back to it to play. We drank some of the water and took some back in our water bottles. It was GOOD!
Saturday, April 25, 2009
(Plans) Alaskan Pipeline
Didja know my dad helped to design the oil pipeline which carries crude oil from northern alaska down to shipping in the south? So, I have two, count 'em TWO, generations of family who have involvement in Alaska!
We plan to learn more about the pipeline and take photos beside it (or under it!) There is a visitor center just outside of Fairbanks. http://fairbanks-alaska.com/trans-alaska-pipeline.htm
We can also tour Pump Station No. 9 near Delta Junction and see where the pipeline crosses the Tanana River just north of that town.
We'll let you know what we learn!
We plan to learn more about the pipeline and take photos beside it (or under it!) There is a visitor center just outside of Fairbanks. http://fairbanks-alaska.com/trans-alaska-pipeline.htm
We can also tour Pump Station No. 9 near Delta Junction and see where the pipeline crosses the Tanana River just north of that town.
We'll let you know what we learn!
(Plans) Fairbanks, AK
We plan to spend another full week in Fairbanks, AK (from July 5th through July 12th). While we are in the area, we plan to take some more R&R time, plus some final alaska sightseeing.
This will be our last chance for window-shopping, including at a local fur company www.alaskarawfur.com
By now we might be totally sick of museums. If not, we will probably take time for Pioneer Park. This special park has a number of small museums, plus mini-golf, and a Big Stampede Show (about the Gold Rush). This feels pretty laid-back so we might well check it out! http://co.fairbanks.ak.us/pioneerpark/visitor_information/visitor_information.htm
We will possibly also visit the UAF Museum of the North which has highly rated exhibits on art, culture, history and wildlife of alaska. Info: www.uaf.edu
Then again, maybe we won't do much of ANYTHING!!!
This will be our last chance for window-shopping, including at a local fur company www.alaskarawfur.com
By now we might be totally sick of museums. If not, we will probably take time for Pioneer Park. This special park has a number of small museums, plus mini-golf, and a Big Stampede Show (about the Gold Rush). This feels pretty laid-back so we might well check it out! http://co.fairbanks.ak.us/pioneerpark/visitor_information/visitor_information.htm
We will possibly also visit the UAF Museum of the North which has highly rated exhibits on art, culture, history and wildlife of alaska. Info: www.uaf.edu
Then again, maybe we won't do much of ANYTHING!!!
(Plans) Denali National Park, Alaska
We are HOPING for a clear view of Mt. McKinley while we are in the area. (Apparently that is somewhat rare in the summer because the mountain creates its own weather and is usually shrouded with clouds...)
We plan to spend a few days (July 3rd through 5th) here in this park. I'm hesitant to schedule a long-day tour bus trip through the park. So, we will just see what we can on the free shuttle buses which travel up to 15 miles into the park. We also plan to see a Dog Sled demonstration (maybe then my family will better understand my fascination with the Iditarod race??!!) While we are here, Anna will gather one more Junior Ranger badge.
For more information about this park which holds the highest mountain in North America: http://www.nps.gov/dena/
We plan to spend a few days (July 3rd through 5th) here in this park. I'm hesitant to schedule a long-day tour bus trip through the park. So, we will just see what we can on the free shuttle buses which travel up to 15 miles into the park. We also plan to see a Dog Sled demonstration (maybe then my family will better understand my fascination with the Iditarod race??!!) While we are here, Anna will gather one more Junior Ranger badge.
For more information about this park which holds the highest mountain in North America: http://www.nps.gov/dena/
(Plans) Hurricane Turn Train -- Talkeetna AK
Didja know there is still a "flag-stop train" that makes regular runs? This is the only way trappers and people living in remote cabins in central Alaska can get to their homes. They take this train out of Talkeetna. When they want to catch it for a return to "civilization," they just flag the train down with a large square of white material!!
I loved some of the rules and regulations---which included that dogs (for sleds or hunting) must be caged for the trip and stipulated that all carcasses must be already butchered and wrapped up in a proper bag!! Yep! It's another "Toto, we aren't in Kansas anymore" experience!
We plan to take the 5 hour roundtrip train trip on July 2nd to see more of the remote areas of Alaska. It would be fun to get off the train and flag it down to get back to the start...but I'm not sure we are THAT adventuresome!! We'll let you know!
More information: http://www.akrr.com/arrc127.html
I loved some of the rules and regulations---which included that dogs (for sleds or hunting) must be caged for the trip and stipulated that all carcasses must be already butchered and wrapped up in a proper bag!! Yep! It's another "Toto, we aren't in Kansas anymore" experience!
We plan to take the 5 hour roundtrip train trip on July 2nd to see more of the remote areas of Alaska. It would be fun to get off the train and flag it down to get back to the start...but I'm not sure we are THAT adventuresome!! We'll let you know!
More information: http://www.akrr.com/arrc127.html
(Plans) Anchorage Again...
While Jill is attending the Idita-Summer Camp (June 21st through June 29th), Randy, Nettie, Jakob and Anna will be doing a variety of things in the Anchorage area and in the Mat-Su valley (around Palmer and Wasilla). I don't know for sure what they will do...
Here are some of the possibilities:
Alaska Native Heritage Center (includes music and dancing by native americans, plus native village sites with interpreters in an outdoor setting) www.alaskanative.net
Anchorage Museum (supposed to be the best museum choice with art, history, science and culture of Alaska) www.anchoragemuseums.org
There is a huge playground, skateboard park, and BMX track in Wasilla.
There is both a reindeer farm www.reindeerfarm.com AND a musk ox farm www.muskoxfarm.org in the Mat-Su valley.
They could go to a baseball game of the Summer Collegiate League of the Alaskan Baseball League. Apparently these are VERY competitive games---teams throughout Alaska in this summer league attract collegiate/future major league players from all over North America. For more information and commentary about this league: www.matsuminers.org and www.alaskabaseballleague.com and http://www.modernerabaseball.com/id29.html
Here are some of the possibilities:
Alaska Native Heritage Center (includes music and dancing by native americans, plus native village sites with interpreters in an outdoor setting) www.alaskanative.net
Anchorage Museum (supposed to be the best museum choice with art, history, science and culture of Alaska) www.anchoragemuseums.org
There is a huge playground, skateboard park, and BMX track in Wasilla.
There is both a reindeer farm www.reindeerfarm.com AND a musk ox farm www.muskoxfarm.org in the Mat-Su valley.
They could go to a baseball game of the Summer Collegiate League of the Alaskan Baseball League. Apparently these are VERY competitive games---teams throughout Alaska in this summer league attract collegiate/future major league players from all over North America. For more information and commentary about this league: www.matsuminers.org and www.alaskabaseballleague.com and http://www.modernerabaseball.com/id29.html
(Plans) Idita-Summer Camp -- Wasilla AK
Didja know that Jill has followed the Iditarod Sled Dog Race (held yearly in Alaska--from Anchorage to Nome) for YEARS?? Yep, ask some of my kids who were forced to learn about this race and follow it as part of home-school curriculum!
Seeing the start of this race AND its finish 9+ days later in Nome AK is in my "book of dreams" (things I would like to do sometime in my life...) That may still be a long time before it happens, but I've found the next best thing:
I discovered this year that the Iditarod Committee holds a 9 day summer camp for educators. The purpose is to give hands-on experience and special speakers to cover many aspects of the race. We will also visit some museums in Anchorage and will write our own lesson plans to share with each other. I'm SO EXCITED!!
To see the tentative schedule of what will be covered during the camp: http://iditarodblogs.com/teachers/2009/04/08/2009-summer-camp-for-teachers/
To learn more about this race: www.iditarod.com
PS: anyone who might be inclined to give me a birthday gift (May 27th) could send money to Randy toward the cost of this camp instead!! (It's not cheap...but it certainly is a dream-come-true!)
Seeing the start of this race AND its finish 9+ days later in Nome AK is in my "book of dreams" (things I would like to do sometime in my life...) That may still be a long time before it happens, but I've found the next best thing:
I discovered this year that the Iditarod Committee holds a 9 day summer camp for educators. The purpose is to give hands-on experience and special speakers to cover many aspects of the race. We will also visit some museums in Anchorage and will write our own lesson plans to share with each other. I'm SO EXCITED!!
To see the tentative schedule of what will be covered during the camp: http://iditarodblogs.com/teachers/2009/04/08/2009-summer-camp-for-teachers/
To learn more about this race: www.iditarod.com
PS: anyone who might be inclined to give me a birthday gift (May 27th) could send money to Randy toward the cost of this camp instead!! (It's not cheap...but it certainly is a dream-come-true!)
(Plans) Winner Creek Gorge -- Girdwood AK
We hope to make time (June 19th) for a hike along this gorge and a trip by hand-tram across the gorge. Supposed to be beautiful---we'll let you know!
More information: http://www.akhs.atfreeweb.com/Hikes/Winner.htm
More information: http://www.akhs.atfreeweb.com/Hikes/Winner.htm
(Plans) Historic Crow Creek Gold Mine (!!!) -- Girdwood AK
Yep! On June 20th, if the weather cooperates, we plan to try our hand(s) at panning for gold! There are historic buildings gathered here. "Miners" are given equipment to use and can see what they can collect out of the creek. The website promises "lots of photographs!" which means I obviously can't skip this place, right?!
I will certainly post photos of our "miners" ... and we will let you know if we "strike it rich" !! (yeah, right...)
More information: http://www.crowcreekmine.com/index.htm/History_of_a_Gold_Mine.html
I will certainly post photos of our "miners" ... and we will let you know if we "strike it rich" !! (yeah, right...)
More information: http://www.crowcreekmine.com/index.htm/History_of_a_Gold_Mine.html
(Plans) Sterling AK (Kenai Penninsula)
We plan to spend 3 nights/2 full days based here with possible area day trips (June 16th through June 19th).
We could take a trip to the town of Kenai---which offers a tour of a fish processing plan, walking tour of the old town, and hanging out at the kenai river beach to watch fishermen, possibly see beluga whales, and check out the volcanoes visible across the bay. (Will Mt. Redoubt still be spewing ash while we are in the area??!!)
We also hope to take a day trip to the K'Beq' Interpretive Center which focuses on the native american views of life, traditional plant use and storytelling. More information: http://www.kenaitze.org/KBeq/Index.html
We could take a trip to the town of Kenai---which offers a tour of a fish processing plan, walking tour of the old town, and hanging out at the kenai river beach to watch fishermen, possibly see beluga whales, and check out the volcanoes visible across the bay. (Will Mt. Redoubt still be spewing ash while we are in the area??!!)
We also hope to take a day trip to the K'Beq' Interpretive Center which focuses on the native american views of life, traditional plant use and storytelling. More information: http://www.kenaitze.org/KBeq/Index.html
(Plans) Homer AK
We plan to be in Homer Alaska for a full week of R&R (June 9th through June 16th). There are many laid-back things to do here...and we plan to be as laid-back as possible! There is window-shopping at art galleries and boutiques along the "spit." There are fishermen to watch. There is fresh caught halibut to try...okay, maybe Randy and Nettie will try it! We can try clamming and exploring tide pools along the beach. We hope to have dinner and get to know Jill's cousin Amy better while we are here. If we get desperate for museums, there are two for us to check out:
The Pratt Museum has indoor and outdoor exhibits about life in the Homer area: www.prattmuseum.org
There is also a good place to learn more about the ocean and land environments of the area at the Islands and Oceans Visitor Center www.islandsandocean.org
They apparently have special programs for kids throughout the summer---maybe we will be organized enough to check these out as well?!
The Pratt Museum has indoor and outdoor exhibits about life in the Homer area: www.prattmuseum.org
There is also a good place to learn more about the ocean and land environments of the area at the Islands and Oceans Visitor Center www.islandsandocean.org
They apparently have special programs for kids throughout the summer---maybe we will be organized enough to check these out as well?!
(Plans) Kenai Fjords Tours -- Seward AK
All of us are excited about this tour (scheduled for May 6th). It is the "splurge" of the summer. It's not cheap...but we hope it is well worth the price! (As always, we will let you know!) We will take a 5 hour tour along Resurrection Bay---with the hopes of seeing whales and of seeing glaciers "calve" off icebergs. This tour also includes a stop on shore for a park ranger talk and for an all-u-can-eat salmon & prime rib lunch!
For more information: www.kenaifjords.com (see the description of the "Resurrection Bay Tour")
For more information: www.kenaifjords.com (see the description of the "Resurrection Bay Tour")
(Plans) Kenai Fjords National Park -- Seward AK
Time for another National Park visit. (Probably on Friday June 5th.) Another Junior Ranger badge is calling Anna's name! While here, we will learn more about glaciers at the visitor's center. Plus, we hope to walk to Exit Glacier and see its face.
For more information: http://www.nps.gov/kefj/
For more information: http://www.nps.gov/kefj/
(Plans) Lake Hood Air Harbor -- Anchorage AK
Yep! That's right! This is an air HARBOR...not an air port. This lake has the largest concentrations of float planes taking off and landing on any given summer day any where in the world (approx 800 take-offs and landings daily!!)
I am certain we will spend some time watching the planes here. Randy is also hoping to take a flight with an instructor so he can see what it's like...and maybe even practice a take off and landing or two. (If he doesn't arrange it for May 28th through June 4th, he will try this later in June when we return to the area.)
Hopefully we will have some photos for you...and maybe a little video footage as well!
I am certain we will spend some time watching the planes here. Randy is also hoping to take a flight with an instructor so he can see what it's like...and maybe even practice a take off and landing or two. (If he doesn't arrange it for May 28th through June 4th, he will try this later in June when we return to the area.)
Hopefully we will have some photos for you...and maybe a little video footage as well!
(Plans) Alaskan Earthquake 1964 -- Anchorage AK
The Earthquake that hit Alaska in 1964 made huge changes in the land. It was the strongest earthquake ever recorded in North America.
While we are in Anchorage May 28th through June 4th we plan to learn more about this traumatic event. We will visit Earthquake Park, which has outdoor exhibits and signs. It is also an excellent place to view the incoming bore-tide, if we time the visit correctly.
We also plan to visit the Alaska Experience Theatre which includes an 180 degree wraparound multimedia show all about Alaska plus an earthquake exhibit which includes the full sensory experience of shaking, rumbling floors and building. We will let you know if this highly advertised show is a "tourist trap" or well-worth-visiting! Info: www.alaskaexperiencetheatre.com
While we are in Anchorage May 28th through June 4th we plan to learn more about this traumatic event. We will visit Earthquake Park, which has outdoor exhibits and signs. It is also an excellent place to view the incoming bore-tide, if we time the visit correctly.
We also plan to visit the Alaska Experience Theatre which includes an 180 degree wraparound multimedia show all about Alaska plus an earthquake exhibit which includes the full sensory experience of shaking, rumbling floors and building. We will let you know if this highly advertised show is a "tourist trap" or well-worth-visiting! Info: www.alaskaexperiencetheatre.com
(Plans) Alaska Wild Berry Products -- Anchorage AK
Hey, we CAN'T miss this place! It has a chocolate waterfall, plus free tours and tastes. For a choco-holic, the question won't be "will I buy anything?"...it will be "WHAT will I buy?" Nettie will be with us...so she will definitely be my "partner-in-crime." :-)
Here are some fun fact pages about chocolate and about this factory/store:
http://www.alaskawildberryproducts.com/education/
Here are some fun fact pages about chocolate and about this factory/store:
http://www.alaskawildberryproducts.com/education/
(Plans) Anchorage AK
We plan to spend a week in Anchorage Alaska (from May 28th through June 4th)Nettie will join us here to spend a month exploring Alaska with us.(YAY! It will be good to see her!)
Since it will have been 6 months since Randy's last MRI and CT scans, we plan to arrange for more check-up/monitoring tests while we are here.
We hope to enjoy watching fishermen along the river at midnight. We plan to enjoy some window-shopping in town. We've read that we MUST taste reindeer sausage purchased from a street vendor. We also hope to visit the Vineyard Church in Anchorage while we are there.
We will try to keep you updated on what we are seeing and experiencing while we are in this city!
Since it will have been 6 months since Randy's last MRI and CT scans, we plan to arrange for more check-up/monitoring tests while we are here.
We hope to enjoy watching fishermen along the river at midnight. We plan to enjoy some window-shopping in town. We've read that we MUST taste reindeer sausage purchased from a street vendor. We also hope to visit the Vineyard Church in Anchorage while we are there.
We will try to keep you updated on what we are seeing and experiencing while we are in this city!
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